Baggies united by fighting spirit

10 April 2014 03:47

West Brom head coach Pepe Mel is happy to keep rolling with the punches if dressing room bust-ups help bring results on the pitch.

A post-match confrontation between forward Saido Berahino and midfielder James Morrison following the recent 3-3 draw against Cardiff brought more negative headlines for Albion in what has proved a controversial season.

But the Black Country strugglers responded impressively with a 1-0 win over Norwich last time out, which boosted their hopes of avoiding relegation from the Barclays Premier League.

Mel's side have a winnable match at home to Tottenham on Saturday and the Spaniard insists the squad is united after recent problems.

"When we win it's very different," he said. "We have a big game this Saturday.

"The players know now that the only route is to be united. The problems made us more united.

"All of the players have really helped and gone in the same direction. The dressing room has shown itself to be very professional.

"I don't mind if there are fights if in the following match we win.

"It it healthy? No, but it's something that's normal among players and young players who are ambitious.

"The most important thing is what happens on May 12. I'm certain West Brom will still be in the Premier League."

Mel sees his side making progress after a difficult spell following his arrival early this year.

"I think it's important to be strong defensively and last week the last game was our first clean sheet," he said.

"This is the route we have to follow because going forward we're very strong."

Albion have been left to curse Zoltan Gera's ongoing injury misfortune, with the Hungarian midfielder ruled out for the majority of the remainder of the season with a hamstring problem.